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The Art of Saying No and Enjoying Mocktails This Holiday Season

Carrie-Ann Barrow     December 15, 2023
The Art of Saying No and Enjoying Mocktails This Holiday Season

My dear Queens,

In today’s holiday season, we find ourselves caught in a whirlwind of social obligations and expectations. It’s as if we’re constantly racing from one event to another, one happy hour to the next, all while trying to meet the demands of our professional lives. But what if we could revisit the art and language of what it means to BE a QUEEN? I want to ask you, why don’t you take a step back and reclaim the power to make choices that prioritize your well-being, and authenticity, and manage the stress like we promised to do in every part of our lives… and apply it to the holiday season as well?

I’m proud when women step into their own and start seeing how valuable their time is. That doesn’t change in December! You don’t have to succumb to the stress or overindulge to fit in. You have the power to make choices that align with YOUR values, preferences, and self-care, all while navigating the holiday chaos.

Embracing the art of saying “no” is not about being a Grinch.

It’s about setting boundaries and making choices that nurture your soul. Isn’t that what the holidays are supposed to be about? It’s about understanding that you don’t have to conform to the expectations of others if it doesn’t serve you. You can still be the Queen of your holidays and the star at gatherings without sacrificing your mental health.

It’s perfectly okay to have a mocktail instead of the numerous alcoholic beverages pushed your way.

You can still be part of a holiday festivity without compromising your values. Enjoying a mocktail or non-alcoholic beverage allows you to engage in conversations and create memorable moments without the negative side effects of alcohol. You can maintain your regular schedule throughout the holidays if you prioritize boundaries and say no! Think of it as a gift to your liver!

By making self-care choices that prioritize your well-being and managing the holidays, you become an example for those around you.

Imagine your kids in the future who are able to actually enjoy the holiday season as adults because of the example you set for them. Your friends and family will see that you’re taking steps to manage stress and if they’re fussy about it, so be it, they’ll see you’re enjoying the holidays with your family not caring about anyone’s opinion.

The truth is that the holiday season should be about being around those you love, cherishing the moments of a beautiful year, and feeling grateful. You don’t experience any of that if you’re spread thin, trying to live up to other’s expectations, and beating up on yourself for not being able to keep up.

Queens, we’re here because we decided that our time matters. Our values matter. Our health matters. Don’t let that change during the holidays. Don’t let anyone shift your focus from being authentically happy, healthy, and whole.

I’m wishing you the most relaxing holiday season. I’ll see you next year!

XOXO,

Carrie-Ann Barrow

I support women in transforming the way Queens like you think about yourselves, empowering you to reimagine what’s possible – in work and in life – and make their boldest visions real. I do this both in my writing and coaching.

As a successful entrepreneur who founded and sold a multi-million-dollar company in my thirties, I bring energy and insight from my lived experience to coach everyone from aspiring entrepreneurs to executives.

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